The Devil (2025) Movie Review & Box Office: Darshan’s Action Film Opens Strong, Receives Mixed Response
The Devil, starring Kannada superstar Darshan Thoogudeepa, made a strong entry at the box office on its opening day, drawing significant attention from fans and industry watchers alike. The film’s release saw packed theatres in Karnataka and other regions where Kannada cinema has a strong foothold, with the first-day collection crossing estimated figures of around ₹38 crore — a healthy start for a big-budget commercial entertainer.
Plot & Performances: What the Film Is About
The Devil is a high-octane action drama centered around a rugged protagonist (played by Darshan), who is driven by a personal vendetta and finds himself caught in clashes with powerful adversaries. The film follows his violent, yet emotionally motivated journey as he fights for justice and tries to protect his loved ones from systemic threats.
Darshan, known for his mass appeal and larger-than-life screen presence, carries the film with his signature style — intense action sequences, powerful dialogue delivery, and rugged heroism. Supporting performances, particularly from key female and character roles, provide emotional anchors and moments that balance the relentless action.
Direction, Style & Technical Aspects
Directed as a mass-market action entertainer, The Devil leans heavily on stylised fight choreography, dramatic plot twists, and punchy background music. The cinematography often highlights sweeping visuals, dynamic camera work, and bold lighting schemes to amplify the film’s gritty tone. The music and background score play a significant role in setting the mood for high-impact scenes.
The screenplay, however, adopts a familiar arc reminiscent of traditional revenge dramas — heroes rising against corruption and villains, followed by calculated retribution. The pacing tilts toward spectacle over introspection, a choice that divides opinion among audiences and critics.
Box Office: Strong Debut, Enthusiastic Fan Turnout
On its opening day, The Devil recorded impressive ticket sales, particularly in Karnataka. The combination of Darshan’s fanbase, heavy promotions, and the action genre’s broad appeal helped fuel a robust debut. Initial estimates place the first-day gross in a strong bracket, marking it as one of the better openings for a Kannada star vehicle in 2025.
Trade analysts note that while the opening numbers are promising, sustained box office success will depend on word-of-mouth, repeat business, and reception in non-Kannada markets. Multi-language releases or dubbed versions could further boost the film’s overall tally if positive sentiment spreads.
Critical Response: Mixed Reviews Reflect Divided Opinion
Critical reviews of The Devil have been mixed, with responses ranging from praise for Darshan’s performance to criticism of narrative execution.
Positive Feedback
- Darshan’s screen presence and action sequences have earned applause from fans and select reviewers, who describe him as “commanding” and capable of carrying mass entertainment films with gravitas.
- The high-energy stunts and technical execution in fight scenes have been highlighted as standout elements that appeal to audiences seeking adrenaline-fuelled cinema.
- For many fans of the genre, The Devil delivers exactly what they expect — a larger-than-life hero, intense confrontations, and dramatic one-liners.
Critical Observations
- Some critics have pointed out that the story feels formulaic and outdated, sticking too closely to tropes of revenge films without offering fresh twists or emotional depth.
- The narrative structure and dialogues have been described by some as predictable, lacking innovative storytelling and character development.
- A few reviews suggest that while the action works, the emotional stakes and thematic coherence could have been stronger.
In summary, while The Devil satisfies viewers seeking pure, mainstream action entertainment, it may fall short for those hoping for more nuanced writing or creative risk-taking.
Audience Reception & Social Media Buzz
On social media platforms, reactions are equally divided:
- Darshan fans and supporters have celebrated the film enthusiastically, praising his powerful performance, rugged look, and strong screen presence. Hashtags celebrating the film and its dialogues have trended in various regions.
- Others have expressed disappointment, remarking that the film “plays it too safe” and adheres to an older template of action films without evolving beyond them.
- The film’s music and specific stunt sequences have been widely shared online, becoming talking points among viewers regardless of overall opinion.
Conclusion: Commercial Entertainer With Polarised Response
The Devil stands as a testament to the continued appeal of star-driven, action-oriented cinema in India — especially in regional markets where superstar power can significantly influence box office performance.
Darshan’s dedicated fanbase ensured a powerful opening day, while the film’s technical prowess and action choreography won applause from genre enthusiasts.
However, critical responses suggest that the movie’s reliance on familiar revenge tropes and a traditional narrative might limit its appeal among viewers seeking freshness and deeper storytelling.
At the end of the day, The Devil delivers exactly what many of its target audienceSigned on for: high-impact action, rugged heroism, and punchy performances. Whether it becomes a long-running hit will depend on sustained audience support in the coming weeks.